We love our dogs so very much. One day in the distant past, they worked their way into our hearts to become furry, four-legged members of our family and they never looked back. Their dedication, unconditional love and unmatched companionship has earned them an important place in our lives. It is no wonder so many of us do everything we can to make our dogs happy and healthy. What is the key to a long and healthy life? The answer is actually quite simple! We must nourish the body, the mind and the spirit. To nourish the body we must provide a species-appropriate and highly nutritious diet. For the mind, we must provide fulfilling experiences and good mental and physical exercise. The spirit is nourished with experiences that build the bond between dog and human, and the foundation of training (or work) that creates a fulfilling relationship built on communication and trust. Diet and nutrition is the first vital step towards health and longevity in our dogs. We must act as an advocate for our animal companions, providing them with species appropriate nutrition with which they can thrive. High protein, grain-free diets are ideal. A raw food diet is the most nutritional food, followed by freeze-dried diets, homemade diets and lastly high quality, whole food kibble diets. Click here to learn more about the best foods to feed your dog.

An important part of nourishing the body includes keeping harmful chemicals and toxins out of your dog. A minimal vaccine protocol is ideal for all dogs, especially dogs with immune system disorders, allergies and other serious medical conditions. Monthly de-wormers and heartworm preventative are harsh pesticides and chemicals going into your dog on a regular basis, these treatments put a great deal of stress on the body and immune system. Consider a natural de-wormer twice a year and look into homeopathic heartworm preventatives. To nourish the mind we need to provide our dogs with fulfilling and enjoyable mental and physical stimulation. These experiences that remove excess energy and relieve boredom help bring calmness and balance to our canine companions. Physical exercise can include long walks, hiking, playing ball at the park, playing with other dogs, biking, jogging, running, obedience training and training in dog sports. Mental exercise comes from training, thinking games in the home, and giving your dog healthy items to chew on and interact with. Nothing makes a dog happier than a long off leash hike in the forest followed by a healthy elk antler or raw marrow bone to chew on at home. It is the powerful bond we share with our dogs that nourishes their spirit. A dog requires a sense of belonging, trust and companionship to really thrive. We create these feelings in our dogs when we have a one on one training session, or when we share the couch in the evening after a long day, or when we take a long walk together and stop to play ball at the park. Nourishing the spirit is all about our bond with our dogs, relishing in the companionship and unconditional love our furry family members have to offer. The experience of the unconditional love exchanged between human and dog is remarkable, it creates balance and happiness in not only them, but also within us.

The path to a long and healthy life involves nurturing every aspect of your dog's being and simply enjoying life together, living every moment to its fullest.

The minimal vaccine protocol was developed by Dr. Jean Dodds and provides pet owners with an alternative to the extreme vaccine schedules recommended by most veterinarians. To learn more about why over-vaccinating your pet with many different vaccines is dangerous, read my article: The dangers of over-vaccinating your dog. So why should you put your dog on a minimal vaccine protocol? Vaccines are full of toxic chemicals that are very hard on a dog's body, such as aluminum, mercury, formaldehyde, and oils. These additives, among the others found in the vaccine liquid that holds the disease, have no place being in your pet's body. Studies have shown that there is likely a connection between these harsh chemicals and cancer in both pets and humans. Research also shows that over vaccination can lead to other diseases and disorders. In reality, much like us, dogs do not need to be re-vaccinated for diseases as often as veterinarians recommend. Immunity duration for vaccines such as parvovirus and distemper typically last approximately 7 years, so instead of vaccinating every year it is best to run an antibody titer test for those diseases. A titer test will check the level of immunity your dog has three years after getting the vaccine. By doing titers instead of vaccinating, you prevent your dog from being bombarded by the toxic chemicals additives found in pet vaccines. By avoiding unnecessary vaccination you also prevent your dog's immune system from going through extreme stress. After the initial set of puppy shots, the dog likely will not need anymore vaccinations for the rest of their life. Immunity duration is long, just like with our own human vaccines. You can do titer tests every year to check levels of immunity in the blood before you decide to re-vaccinate.

* It is important to note that vaccinating your dog against parvovirus, distemper and rabies is very important because these disease are deadly and often result in death. However, the vaccine is NOT required yearly for the majority of dogs. A titer test is a blood test that tests the dogs level of immunity to a certain disease. A yearly titer test is a great, healthy alternative to yearly vaccination.

It is also important to discuss what diseases are prevalent in your area with your veterinarian, as some dogs might require different vaccines due to location and risk of exposure.

MINIMAL VACCINE PROTOCOL FOR DOGS9 WEEK OF AGE:Parvovirus + Distemper 14 WEEKS OF AGE:Parvovirus + Distemper17 WEEKS OF AGE:Parvovirus + Distemper 20 WEEKS OF AGE:RabiesAT 1 YEAR OF AGE: Parvovirus + Distemper FINAL (Titers from now on, every 3 years.) Four weeks after the parvo + distemper one year booster you should give your dog the three year rabies vaccine. The rabies vaccine is required by law so it must be given every three years. Click here to visit Dr. Jean Dodd's website for details on vaccinations for dogs.

In today's world, vaccinations are an annual appointment in veterinarian clinics across North America. The standard, core vaccinations are administered yearly without any titer testing done to evaluate the levels of antibodies already present in our dogs. This means that dogs are re-vaccinated every year when they likely already have optimum levels of immunity.

People typically do not get vaccines very often, perhaps excluding the annual flu vaccine because it is not necessary to do so. When we get a vaccine we have prolonged protection and can be certain that the antibodies will not simply disappear this exact time next year. So why would it be any different with our dogs? The answer is simple; It is not any different!

In reality, vaccinating your dog with every available vaccine every single year can do more harm than good. Dogs simply do not need to get re-vaccinated every year, immunity from vaccines often lasts much longer than one year.

A Minimal Vaccine Schedule for Healthier Dogs!

After your pet gets their initial set of puppy vaccinations (Distemper and parvovirus), you should then run a titer test every three years to determine whether or not your dog needs to be re-vaccinated. Titer tests show the level of protective antibodies present in the animal since receiving their vaccinations acting as the best tool you have in preventing over vaccination.

It is important to do your research and consult your veterinarian, and don't be afraid to find a veterinarian that respects the way you wish you care for your dog and will work with you instead of trying to do what they think it best without your input.

Over vaccination can be detrimental to your dog's health

Annual vaccines are both unnecessary and potentially dangerous. Protective antibodies from vaccines usually remain at optimal levels between 3 and 7 years but some dogs maintain those healthy levels of antibodies for even longer. While the actual vaccine includes either the killed virus, or the modified live virus, they are also full of potential toxins and chemicals that have no business being in your pet's body. There is also the danger of Vaccinosis which includes severe adverse side effects and reactions following vaccination.

It is strongly recommended that you do your research on vaccines; What diseases are present or problematic in your area? From there you can determine exactly which protocol will be most beneficial for your dog. Take your desired protocol to your veterinarian and get them on board with your plan. Many dog owners are now choosing to follow Dr. Dodds minimal vaccine protocol; This protocol states that puppies will be vaccinated for DISTEMPER and PARVO only. Your dog must also be vaccinated against the rabies virus - not only is the rabies vaccine required by law but this disease is fatal and painful and can be very easily transferred between human and animal. That means that over the course of your pet's life, they should only be vaccinated for 3 things: Distemper, Parvovirus and Rabies. These are the three most deadly diseases that can kill your pet should he or she contract either one. Additional vaccines should be given in special circumstances.

Vaccines for diseases such as kennel cough, parainfluenza, and adenovirus are typically unnecessary. These viruses are the equivalent of a cough or the flu in humans and healthy dogs can easily overcome them. It is unheard of for a dog to die of kennel cough unless they have an immune system problem. Kennel cough is a repeat visitor at humane societies and animal shelters across North America, very few animals actually die from this condition, and those that do usually have a suppressed immune system.If you enjoy K9 instinct's articles, you will love getting our weekly Newsletter! It's totally free, and you will get lots of great exclusive content delivered directly to your inbox! You won't want to miss out on all the free advice and recipes!

SERVICES

K9 INSTINCT

CONNECT

Consult with your veterinarian before applying any of the information contained within this website, its blog, or via consultations. K9 Instinct recommends involving your veterinarian in any plans to utilize the information provided by K9 Instinct, and cannot be held accountable for any damages incurred by the use or misuse of any information provided by K9 Instinct. The guidance of your veterinarian is strongly recommended!